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A cleansing flood for the South Fork in 2011?

It’s still the middle of winter and lots more snow needs to pile up in the mountains, but early indications are the snowpack is average or better, but more importantly there is A LOT of water in Anderson Ranch Reservoir.  And it’s got to come downstream at some point in 2011.

So for our first update for 2011 we present a state of the river report, looking at the coming water year.  Long time South Fork Boise aficionados recall the normal flow regime is 300 cfs in the winter (Oct through March), followed by the 600 cfs for the shoulder season, usually a period in September but also importantly in April and May for the mainstem river spawning.  Then during the summer it’s around 1,800 cfs in a steady push of water for downstream irrigation and salmon water budget contributions.

This year looks like it will be different because the water is stacking up, more than in recent years.  Here’s what we know so far…

Continue Reading…

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South Fork of the Boise during the salmon fly hatch.

South Fork of the Boise during the salmon fly hatch.

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Thinking back to summer, big flows, big fish on dry flies.

Thinking back to summer, big flows, big fish on dry flies.

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Fall on the South Fork Boise

Fall on the South Fork Boise.

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Bureau of Reclamation and USGS Study

The Bureau of Reclamation and the US Geological Survey are teaming up on a study of the South Fork Boise River.  Work began in the past few months with the goal of a better understanding of the spawning habitats.

Agency scientists are starting by gathering existing data, conducting sample location reconnaissance, and developing a sampling design for the project.  The reason for this step is, “to provide statistical rigor to future sampling efforts, develop a consistent sampling plan, and determine the appropriate level of spatial and temporal sampling.” 
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